Tallahassee, Florida -- It looks as though thousands of Floridians who bought air conditioning systems and solar panels expecting a rebate from the state will get their cash after all.
The rebate programs were in limbo because of a dispute between Gov. Charlie Crist and Republican legislative leaders.
But now the incoming Senate president and House speaker have come up with a solution. They want to go ahead and use the $31 million in federal stimulus money that was originally allocated for the rebate programs.
About $2.5 million would be distributed to Floridians who applied for air conditioning rebates. Qualified applicants would receive a $1,500 rebate.
The other $29 million would go to people who applied for solar rebates. However, there's such a large backlog of solar applications -- more than 13,000 -- those consumers will only get a percentage of the rebate.
Incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos says it's only fair to deliver the rebates after the state advertised them.
"We looked at it and felt consumers were in a spot where they were being told that they would receive a $1,500 rebate and we felt that they deserved that rebate considering that was one of the reasons why they actually purchased the item and we thought that was the best policy to go by."
Haridopolos has said one of his main goals is to cut government spending, so he was questioned why one of his first acts as Senate president will be to accept federal stimulus cash.
He said given the fact that state agencies promoted the rebate programs last summer, Florida should meet the expectations of consumers.
Lawmakers will consider the proposed solution during a one-day special session on November 16th.
Florida moving to deliver (finally) rebates for solar and air conditioning systems | Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota | WTSP.com 10 News
I'm not a fan of boondogle spending (as you all know), but rebate programs like this should be funded by the state if we can afford it.
(I'm sure Gidget will be happy to hear this!)
